Ideal for those looking to make work for idle hands.
It’s one of the modern world’s greatest ironies; that the convenience and accessibility of huge technological advances have only served to make our lives more hectic than ever. Sadly, this leaves us little time to explore new skills and hobbies.
But if you have some extra time on your hands thanks to Lockdown 2.0 and the tentative tiered system, it might be a great opportunity to expand your horizons (hey, we’re trying to put a brave face on here!).
Whether you’re looking to level up your career potential, cross a life-long goal off your bucket list or simply keep yourself entertained whilst staying home and safe, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are 5 new skills to learn in lockdown, IDEAL for those looking to make work for idle hands.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Creativity knows no limits, and every age, gender and personality type can benefit greatly from letting their imagination run wild, whether that’s on the page or by building something with your hands.
Don’t believe us? According to neuroscience professor Christianne Strang, ‘’Creativity in and of itself is important for remaining healthy, remaining connected to yourself and connected to the world.”
Girija Kaimal, a researcher into art therapy at Drexel University, agrees; ‘’Anything that engages your creative mind — the ability to make connections between unrelated things and imagine new ways to communicate — is good for you”.
As if we needn’t an excuse!
But if you are looking for another reason to get your hands busy, then handmade items add a personal touch to just about any occasion, and with the festive season coming up, many people will appreciate the effort of a bespoke creation, be it a knick-knack, something knitted or even a gifted wreath for your front door.
And with Christmas, there is no limit to the DIY possibilities. Keep it simple by making your own decorations, cards and gift tags, or be brave and experiment with homemade gifts – a winter scarf perhaps? Friends and family are sure to value the time, effort and thought you’ve put into them.
LANGUAGES
There are so many benefits to learning an additional language. It can enhance your travel experience and broaden your mind – not to mention, it’s an impressive skill to have and one that is valued by employers. Countless studies have suggested that learning a new language can improve cognition, memory and multitasking ability, as well as improving your career prospects and social skills.
If you’re not sure how to get your learning off the ground, there are plenty of online platforms that can help, such as Teachers To Your Home, who offer tutoring for all ages in a range of languages, whether you’re an absolute beginner or simply looking to brush up on your secondary school French.
Though traditional face-to-face (or online, for the time being) tutoring with a native speaker is still the most effective way to learn a new language, there are also plenty of free apps out there which can assist in the early stages of language acquisition. Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, in particular, have revolutionised the way we learn languages and both offer free versions, which although limited in scope and reach, provide an opportunity to get some beginner words under your belt.
LEARN A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
Whether you’ve got your heart set on mastering Stairway To Heaven so you can play it with your teeth, or you’re simply content to strum out the intro to Wonderwall, the process of learning to play a musical instrument has is said to bring several benefits to the intelligence and creativity of individuals.
Studies suggest that playing the piano can aid a person’s cognitive development, along with helping to develop better hand-eye coordination and encouraging fine-motor skills improvement. On top of that (and acknowledging the crooked nature of IQ tests, in general) playing a musical instrument increases IQ by seven points or more, whether you are a kid or an adult.
Wait, there’s more; playing an instrument can contribute to stress relief, better breathing control, improved listening abilities and it can even be considered as exercise. So, what are you waiting for?
EYE MAKE UP
If lockdown has you missing your usual feel-good routine (we know we do), then why not try brushing up (ahem) on your makeup skills? The internet is full of tutorials from amateurs and pros alike, and some people have even taking to cutting their own hair during lockdown with a little online guidance!
Perhaps we wouldn’t recommend taking a complicated haircut into your own hands, but with the prevalence of masks right now, there’s never been a better time to work on your eye makeup, to really make them stand out. Good Housekeeping have written a great guide on 16 eye makeup tips you need need to know; do check it out and practice on yourself or a housemate!
PHOTOGRAPHY
A picture is worth a thousand words (Hey editor! Can I stop writing now?) but you don’t have to splash out the cash on a fancy DSLR to up your photography game.
With most smartphones featuring their own high-quality camera, a few simple tips and tricks and a bit of practice will have you taking expert snaps in no time. Sure, your artistic photos might only be of your home for the time being, but you could use Lockdown 2.0 as a time to hone your photography skills before we’re once again unleashed on the world. Good luck!